New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-08-12
OBITUARY.
COLONEL CHARLES :. SPENCER.


Colonel Charles s. SPENCER, the we,I-known lawyer
aud prominent Republican politician, died yesterday
afternoon at his home No. 446 West lwenty-th rd-st
lie had been in poor health tor the last two years,
but was not compelled to give up his professional
work until about the middle OF last JuLe Theo his
constitution 0adly broken anu his sickness took
n firm hold. lis trouble Was extreme torpdity of
the liver. which became complicated with dropsy.
Three weeks ago his death was almost hourly ex-
pected. but no rallied, and by many 1t was thought
that his health would return. But bis physician, Dr.
RAnney, of 80. 44O West Twenty third-st.. did not
have much hope Of his recovery. The immediate
cause of his death was drOpsy. At dinner yesterday
he ate heartily, and shortly after the metl was over
complained to his wife that he was feeling extremely
Ill in tact he said that he elt badly in his
life. He was sitting in his chair in tho bedroom,
and IN five minutes from the time when he uttered his
complaint he was dead.
Colonel Spencer was born at Ithaca, n. Y. abont
sixty years 90 His boyhood was spent i'll his
birthplace, where his father kept printing office
The latter bad considerable prominence, and was ut
one time State Prison Inspector. Colonel Spencer
studied ut and graduated IRON the Wesleyan
University. MiddetOwn, Conn. lie worked Tor n
time in his fathers Office. but after his graduation be-
gan immediately to study law he taught school for
a short time IN o Massachusetts, town near Boston,
and went from there to Emira, whore bis brother had
a bookstore There lie Oegan practising his profess
sion. not long otter being admitted 10 the bar. lie
married bis wife there, and when young man gave
began practising hTs with that came up IN the
Tombs Police Court. and by hard work add strict
attention 20 the interests OF has clients obtained
u large practice in the criminal courts. He became
one OF the most prominent and successful criminal
lawyers this city and the cases that be had we're
lattery many OF tue most important suits that have
ever been tried ia this His first law partner
was PhIlip Jordan, who became nearly as prominent
a. au attorney IN civil SUITS ~ his partner in
criminal cases Among Colonel Spencers legal
anita gonists and Associates were john Graham anu
! DAVID Graham, who were also prominent criminal
lnwyers At that time the MOiat Building was hlled
with lawyers O.hcers, and Spencer Il Jordon hung
their shugle next door One OF his partners was j.
! r. Brady, sud his last was John }. Bren and their
oitces wefe IN ruE TRIBU ~ Building.
! Colonel Spencer FIRST became prominent in pOtIcs
IN 1860 His father was an old-t:me Wing, but he
became affiliated wish the Republics party at us oe
ginning He was elected TO the Assembly In 1861,
and was the first Republican 20 represent the All TN
Assembly District Of this County IN the State Legsla
| ture During the election toi members oil congress
| when the impeachment OF Andrew johnson vas being
agitated and used a campaign issue, Mr.. spencer
was nominated By the Republican, OF the With Con-
/ gressioual District. His opponent Thomas Stewart
rrceiyed the Liberal Republican and Democratic
! nomination Colonel spencer promised to vote lot
] the Impeachment OF Johnson, II elected. ana MS
oppcnent promised oppose II. The latter received
the solid Democratic vote and was elected. Al the
next Congress election Colonel Spencer ran against
! Anthony Eickoh and was defeated by small
majority At that time be was Colonel Of the Ola ON
Eeglu emit National Guard. that WAS isbanded q few
years ago. lie was its commander tor ten years ne
was elected to the Assembly again In 1873. ne
was a delegate TO the Republican state Convention
MANY times and had been also delegate TO the re
publican National Convection. For several years he
was member OF the Republican Central tt'erwari
! the Republican County Committee for the Alilth
Assembly District. TIRES years ago ae ran Tor DIS
| trio;- Attorney .he Republican ticket, but -as
! bcatop by Randolph B. MARITIME.
/ Last spring ne nad all arrangements made to take
| an extended tour in Europe His passage had even
been secured but he could not on account OF tall
ING health Previous 10 his last illness be vas 10 take
part in the contest In the Xlllth Assembly District
as an associate OF Henry l. 81 and as attorney
| for james a. Cowio. "a
body will be taken to his birthplace tor burial The
mrsnbers OF the Republican organization OF his dis
trict will bold meeting and take action Oh the
death OF "a vuIued and esteemed member and VOL ker